Inspire me with Webspiration

I simply love it. I saw this technology being used during my B. ed and it heightened my curiosity. That was in the year 2005 and today this software inspires me as much as it did so many years ago. Webspiration is excellent especially in teaching the content areas such as science and social studies. The students can use concept mapping to organize their ideas and make their projects come to life. My children will enjoy using the maps to plan assignments and even to create study time tables. In September, I will be teaching a student with a severe reading challenge but he is a visual learner. Concept mapping will definitely hold his interests so therefore I will plan lessons and set goals to incorporate Webspiration in my classroom.

This brings me to another pertinent point. Using technology in the classroom takes time and planning. I ask myself the question that other educators will ask, do we have time to effectively plan and ensure that learning takes place. Let me be honest and share my views. This is an examination driven society and many teachers concentrate on National Tests and the competitive Secondary Entrance Assessment Examination. The curriculum is loaded and in some instances is not always well delivered. Policy makers and administrators need to assist in tailoring time tables to cater for a technological learning environment. Sadly, some of us are limited to one period per week in the computer labs and this can never be sufficient. Others may be lucky to work in a flexible learning environment but face it, if we don’t get the support we need at our schools, this intervention will never be successful.

I will continue this discussion in my next blog so be safe, enjoy your holidays and catch yuh later!